Ten Steps to Joining the Force for Military Service Members

As the competition for coveted law enforcement positions increases throughout the country, police and federal recruiters have the luxury of picking and choosing the absolute best and brightest individuals. More often than not, police chiefs, sheriffs, and recruiters are turning to military veterans to fill these positions as they staff the next wave of warriors in the war on crime.

PoliceLink and Military.com have joined forces to provide our members – both active duty and veterans alike – with this exclusive, comprehensive guide to prepare you for a transition from your military background to your new and exciting career as a civilian law enforcement officer.

Due to popular demand, the 10 Steps to Joining the Force – A Guide For Military Service Members is also available in this FREE downloadable ebook.

I'll have to admit that this sounds like a pretty tempting career choice to me, I wouldn't say no at the chance to become military. Being in the service of state protection is a self motivating job. I just don't think I'd be too good at handling military wiring harnesses but then again I never had the chance to learn.

I got hired by a civilian police department upon retiring from the US Navy. I was a Navy Master-at-Arms (MA1) and I got out of my Navy uniform and put on a police officers uniform and got a $500 pay raise from Navy to civilian officer. Upon graduating from the Police Academy I got another $500 a month pay increase. The department was Stanton, CA PD which is no longer a department. The city of Stanton was taken over by the Orange County SO. So after the academy my family decided they wanted to move back to San Diego so I was hired by the City of Coronado, CA as a Police Officer. I have since medically retired from Coronado with a knee injury on duty. Yes you can get hired by a civilian Police Dept after military service, just fill out the application, don't be late for any appointments they will make for you. Make sure your civilian suit is clean, pressed and you look good in it. When you go to court you may have to wear your uniform or your suit. Don't give up, go for it and don't be afraid to apply.

@ Thatguy20 I noticed the same thing when I saw this pic. A recipe for fraticide he's totally flagging his buddy. I know I was taught to always make your suspect the very tip of the triangle without him coming in between you and your partner. But otherwise this is a pretty decent article.

when i was in high school and doing my time as an LE Explorer, i was told that having a CJ degree is good and all but having something else in your background is good (ie: computers) as well. i remember hearing alot of depts that were jumping at the chance to have prior military exp. just my 2 cents-kev

I'm in the opposite position of you Tyler B. I have military experience and no degree. I'm actually going back into the military as a reservist MP in a few months in order to get the education assistance benefit to finish my bachelor's degree and start a graduate program. I've gone all over Ohio looking for leo work since 2006 and have found nothing. I've had 1 interview but applied for 9-10 positions. Part of the problem is the economy, and my guess is you, me and everyone else looking will have to move to warmer climates to find the work if you haven't already.

Im only 18 and currently not in college but looking to start soon but i am in the military. My friends dad who is a captain of the cincinnati police department told me that once you have passed all your tests, and everything else you need to become a leo, your file goes to the cheif and that, that is where all your experience plays its role. He said that a degree and military service is a huge advantage,hopefully he is right.

I have no military experience but I did get a bachelors in Criminal Justice at a university. I have applied at a few depts in my state but, as of right now, very few places are hiring and if they are hiring its for one or two spots. Now maybe is the time for me to join and do my OCS training for a few years.

I am an Afghan Veteran who is currently in the Army National Guard and serve as a deputy jailer in Kentucky. I have applied to several different police departments and passed every written test and physical agility test with no luck toward employment. The two things that I feel are deciding factors are that I have no degree, and my interview skills aren't top-notch. Any advice?

Well let me give you some advise from one Vet to another....here in TN...yes departments like Vets BUT... to find you a department that will send you to the acadamy is one thing. Its best to send your self and you can use your GI bill to pay for it... Once you have your certifaction You have one up on every one else. GOOD LUCK To you all !! and Be safe!